Strong quake jolts parts of Mindanao

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale rocked parts of Mindanao yesterday but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the tremor occurred at 11:20 a.m. with its epicenter traced at 85 kilometers southeast of General Santos City where it was felt at Intensity 5.

The tremor was also felt at Intensity 4 in Davao City and Intensity 3 in the cities of Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Solidum said no tsunami warning was issued.

“In terms of magnitude, yes it is a strong earthquake. However, depth was moderate at 184 kilometers so the reported maximum intensity of shaking felt in General Santos was 5 and Davao 4 and we don’t expect significant damage or injury to occur,” he said. – Helen Flores